Five indicators that you need a new website
We all have items that we hold onto for longer than we need to, don’t we? Things that still function but are way past their sell-by date and could probably do with replacing.
Well, a website is no different! We know that our business would really benefit from a new one, but we’re worried about the cost implications or even finding the right website designer to do the job. It’s completely understandable. Yes, a new website is a significant investment, but it’s also an investment that will reap enormous dividends for your business in the long term.
So, how do you really know if you need a new website or if your current one still cuts the mustard? In this blog post, we’ve put together our top five indicators, so you can work out whether it’s time to bite the bullet and say yes to a new website!
Your current website is difficult to use
If your website is complicated to use, it’s going to seriously frustrate potential customers. People are so busy these days and they don’t have the time to muddle their way through confusing navigation. It’s hugely off-putting. Users want to find the information they need quickly and easily, through a clear navigational structure, a visually appealing design, engaging content and clear calls to action. Look at your website with a fresh pair of eyes, and if you’re finding it cumbersome, the chances are that it’s time for a new one!
It doesn’t reflect your current branding
If your website has been around for some time, it’s likely that your branding may well have changed. Ask yourself whether everything is still consistent across your digital marketing efforts and customer touchpoints, and whether your website reflects your current brand identity. If it doesn’t, and the look and feel is inconsistent, then it’s time for a redesign.
It’s not mobile-friendly
Now, this is a biggie! We’ve talked about it in previous blog articles but building websites with a mobile-first mindset is definitely the way to go. The majority of visitors to your website will be using a smartphone or tablet to access it, so your layout needs to be responsive and easy to view on multiple devices. If your website is not mobile-friendly, then you are massively missing out on traffic, and ultimately, sales.
It looks like it’s jumped straight out of the year 2000!
Gone are the days when a brochure website was enough to meet your marketing needs. In 2020, a website needs to be so much more than that. Forget the boxes, tables and jam-packed pages of yesteryear. Instead, focus on a user experience that’s easy on the eye, simple to navigate, and all-around aesthetically-pleasing, with plenty of lovely white space too! If your website looks like it’s out of date, then it probably is out of date!
The pages are slow to load
A slow-loading website is a huge no-no when it comes to user experience and conversions. People generally expect a website to load within three seconds, and if it doesn’t, well, your visitors are going to get fed up and look elsewhere, probably at one of your competitors. Not only this, but slower load times will also have a negative impact on search engine rankings. If you’re not sure, you can check your website’s speed using the PageSpeed Insights tool.
Can you relate to a few of these indicators?
If you can, then it may well be time for a new website. A well-designed website is a vital part of your digital marketing strategy, and it really is worth the investment. After all, it could well be the difference between potential customers choosing you or your competitors!
If any of this resonates with you, feel free to send us a message and we’ll have a coffee and a chat about your needs.